Diana's family, friends stand by one of his 'hardest decisions'

An emotional Orange County Executive Ed Diana announced Tuesday that he'll retire at the end of this year, ending his 12-year tenure and cutting short his

BY CHRIS MCKENNA

An emotional Orange County Executive Ed Diana announced Tuesday that he'll retire at the end of this year, ending his 12-year tenure and cutting short his competition with two fellow Republicans and a Democrat for the county's top elected position.

Although he didn't directly explain his decision, Diana said the liver disease he has been battling "has taken a toll on my health" and must now be his top priority. He revealed in November that he has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is waiting for a transplant.

"This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but I do so for my health and the love of my family, who have stood by my side and supported me throughout my life and my career," Diana told a crowd of at least 100 people in the auditorium of the county Emergency Services Center.

"I am still a young man in spirit and of sound mind," Diana said, "and once the body that nourishes both is repaired, I will be looking for new opportunities to serve the people of Orange County."

Diana's wife, Mary, and daughter Danielle sat and then stood by his side during the speech, while his other daughter, Lindsay, listened on speaker phone. His voice trembling at first, and again later when he talked about his illness, Diana devoted most of his speech to the accomplishments of his three terms, such as stable taxes and a AAA bond rating.

After he finished, the audience — consisting largely of elected officials, department heads and other county employees — gave him a standing ovation, and Diana departed without taking questions.

Diana had insisted for months that he'd seek a fourth term, despite his illness, a tumultuous last two years and the unusual challenges from two fellow Republicans. When he held a news conference to announce his liver problem less than four months ago, he said he expected to be sidelined after his transplant but remain county executive for a long time.

But he has gotten little support from Republican committee members as he, Chester Supervisor Steve Neuhaus and Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton have criss-crossed the county for weeks to seek their endorsements. Only Middletown's Republican committee has backed him so far.

Diana's decision to bow out put politics on hold for the day. Both Republican rivals and county Legislator Roxanne Donnery, the Democratic candidate for county executive, attended the speech and had only kind words and warm wishes for Diana afterward.

"I thank him for his service, and I wouldn't do anything else but wish him well for a full recovery," Donnery said.

Jay Town­send, a Republican consultant from Cornwall-on-Hudson who advised Diana on his past campaigns and was in the audience on Tuesday, said Diana told him last week that he'd decided against running again and gave him a chance to change his mind. Townsend said he didn't try, because he knew the strain a campaign would put on Diana's health.

"I consider him a dear friend, and was prepared to go through brick walls for him if he was going to run again," Townsend said.

Diana joins a list of Republicans departing top leadership spots in county government this year, portending a sea change in 2014. District Attorney Frank Phillips and County Clerk Donna Benson, both of whom ran on a ticket with Diana in the past three elections, already announced their retirements, although Phillips briefly flirted with getting back in the race. Legislature Chairman Michael Pillmeier, also a Republican, has said he'll forgo running for re-election this year.

Orange County Democratic Chairman Jonathan Jacobson called Diana a "consummate politician" who was always cordial with him, despite their political differences. "I hope he gets a new liver and gets to play a lot of golf in his retirement," Jacobson said.

Former Rep. Nan Hayworth, a Republican unseated in November after one term, attended Diana's speech and said afterward, "I consider it a privilege to have learned from Ed about the intensity of his dedication to Orange County."

Sheriff Carl DuBois, a Republican who has clashed at times with Diana and endorsed Neuhaus for county executive, called Diana's announcement "bittersweet" and said, "I'm glad he's taking care of his health. Obviously, that's number one."

cmckenna@th-record.com

"It was a difficult decision and speech for him, but he did it eloquently. I think he's had a good legacy. His accomplishments the last 12 years have been outstanding in keeping the county's fiscal health in good shape during difficult times."

Former Orange County Executive Lou Heimbach, Republican

"For him personally, it's an opportunity to get his health right. But whether you disagree with him or not, he's been a good leader with an impressive record of leading this county — leadership that's been unmatched. But the focus now isn't the one or two issues you disagree with Ed Diana on; it's what's best for the county. Him stepping down tarnishes the Republican brand. We don't know how Republicans stand on Valley View or the Government Center."

Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano, Democrat and longtime friend of Diana

"It was the best decision for him personally and the best decision for the county. It's time for new leadership. The last few years have been punctuated by endless controversy and too much rigidity that paralyzed the county. He's been an able caretaker, but I don't think he's had a vision for the county."

Michael Sussman, Goshen civil rights attorney and Democratic activist

"I want to thank County Executive Diana for his many years of service as a teacher, legislator, and now as county executive. My family and I wish him good health and many happy years with his family."

Town of Chester Supervisor Steve Neuhaus, a Republican candidate for county executive

What they're saying

"(His) announcement today that he will not seek a fourth term as county executive brings to a close a remarkable political career, including three terms as county executive. Ed can point with pride to many positive things he has accomplished for Orange County and its people. He has my respect and my appreciation for those many things. I wish him success in overcoming his current health difficulties and for a long and happy retirement."

Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, a Republican candidate for county executive

"I think he made the right decision because (his health) is the most important thing. But, politically? Oh my God, that's all I can say. The last few years, it's been a lack of leadership — my way or the highway. You've got to bring people together. It's not about you, it's about doing what's best for the people."

Sonia Ayala, chairwoman of the Latino Democratic Committee of Orange County

"He is a champion for economic development, and during his tenure there have been a total of 347 business attractions and expansions, 8,541 new jobs created and more than $900 million has been invested in Orange County. Even during the most challenging economic times, Ed has kept Orange County competitive. Ed has worked hard all of his life. He deserves to spend quality time with Mary and his devoted family."

Maureen Halahan, president and CEO of the Orange County Partnership

Compiled by Steve Israel

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